Contest offers chance to win free hearing aids

ESCONDIDO - Palomar Pomerado Health, its chief audiologist David
Illich and Phonak Hearing Systems are sponsoring the third annual
"Hear for the Holidays" essay contest, which will give the gift of
hearing to one lucky winner living in the public hospital
district.

Illich created the program in 2005 as a way of repaying the
kindness so many people showed him and his family after Hurricane
Katrina devastated his hometown of Biloxi, Miss., where his loved
ones still lived. In addition to the gift of hearing aids, Illich
will provide a lifetime of office visits to fit, adjust and
maintain the hearing devices.

To enter the contest, submit an essay of 500 words or fewer
explaining why you or someone you know needs hearing aids. The
winner will be selected based on financial need, degree of hearing
loss and the quality of the essay.

Submit essays by e-mail to
hear4theholidays@hotmail.com
or by mail to Hear for the Holidays Contest, Professional Hearing
Associates, 1045 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025. The
deadline is Nov. 30.